used vest systems...to buy or not to buy???

C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi everyone!
just wondering, how often do you have to change the size of your child's vest? i know it depends on how fast my child grows, if i get a size small, how much give is there before i have to get the next size? also, has anyone had any experiences with having to get the machine fixed? there's an opportunity to get a "really" good deal on a system. i contacted hill-rom and if i get this system "second hand", there's no warranty, so to get it fixed if there is a problem, i wouldn't know what to do. we can buy the vest itself for a separate price, i was just wondering how often we would have to replace the size...we're so up in the air about this, if anyone has bought or received a vest system used, any input would be appreciated!!!!
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi everyone!
just wondering, how often do you have to change the size of your child's vest? i know it depends on how fast my child grows, if i get a size small, how much give is there before i have to get the next size? also, has anyone had any experiences with having to get the machine fixed? there's an opportunity to get a "really" good deal on a system. i contacted hill-rom and if i get this system "second hand", there's no warranty, so to get it fixed if there is a problem, i wouldn't know what to do. we can buy the vest itself for a separate price, i was just wondering how often we would have to replace the size...we're so up in the air about this, if anyone has bought or received a vest system used, any input would be appreciated!!!!
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi everyone!
<br />just wondering, how often do you have to change the size of your child's vest? i know it depends on how fast my child grows, if i get a size small, how much give is there before i have to get the next size? also, has anyone had any experiences with having to get the machine fixed? there's an opportunity to get a "really" good deal on a system. i contacted hill-rom and if i get this system "second hand", there's no warranty, so to get it fixed if there is a problem, i wouldn't know what to do. we can buy the vest itself for a separate price, i was just wondering how often we would have to replace the size...we're so up in the air about this, if anyone has bought or received a vest system used, any input would be appreciated!!!!
<br /><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
H

hmw

New member
The HillRom child small will probably not fit your 5yr old for long, if he's of typical size for his age- it would be good to measure him. It's only for a chest circumference of 20-23". When my dd just went up to a medium we were told that started at 24". That one goes from 24"-27 or 28" I think.

Have you tried to get a vest approved through insurance for him? Sometimes it takes a few tries but if the dr writes a letter, with an appeal, etc you can get one that way and then you'll have the lifetime warranty and replacement hoses and vests whenever you need them. (The hoses will need replacement regularly too, probably more often than the vests.) He's of an age where kids are definitely considered old enough to have one, so that shouldn't impact the decision.
 
H

hmw

New member
The HillRom child small will probably not fit your 5yr old for long, if he's of typical size for his age- it would be good to measure him. It's only for a chest circumference of 20-23". When my dd just went up to a medium we were told that started at 24". That one goes from 24"-27 or 28" I think.

Have you tried to get a vest approved through insurance for him? Sometimes it takes a few tries but if the dr writes a letter, with an appeal, etc you can get one that way and then you'll have the lifetime warranty and replacement hoses and vests whenever you need them. (The hoses will need replacement regularly too, probably more often than the vests.) He's of an age where kids are definitely considered old enough to have one, so that shouldn't impact the decision.
 
H

hmw

New member
The HillRom child small will probably not fit your 5yr old for long, if he's of typical size for his age- it would be good to measure him. It's only for a chest circumference of 20-23". When my dd just went up to a medium we were told that started at 24". That one goes from 24"-27 or 28" I think.
<br />
<br />Have you tried to get a vest approved through insurance for him? Sometimes it takes a few tries but if the dr writes a letter, with an appeal, etc you can get one that way and then you'll have the lifetime warranty and replacement hoses and vests whenever you need them. (The hoses will need replacement regularly too, probably more often than the vests.) He's of an age where kids are definitely considered old enough to have one, so that shouldn't impact the decision.
 
C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi harriett, thanks for your reply. you know, i think i will contact my insurance company and see if there's anything they can do...i have a feeling that their answer will be no...in a perfect world, i would of course go for a new system, but even to try one on, we would either have to fly to toronto, or drive to st.paul, mn. it's frustrating...apparently a child would go through 1 vest every 4 years. but like you said, inquire with the insurance.
 
C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi harriett, thanks for your reply. you know, i think i will contact my insurance company and see if there's anything they can do...i have a feeling that their answer will be no...in a perfect world, i would of course go for a new system, but even to try one on, we would either have to fly to toronto, or drive to st.paul, mn. it's frustrating...apparently a child would go through 1 vest every 4 years. but like you said, inquire with the insurance.
 
C

ChristiansMommy

New member
hi harriett, thanks for your reply. you know, i think i will contact my insurance company and see if there's anything they can do...i have a feeling that their answer will be no...in a perfect world, i would of course go for a new system, but even to try one on, we would either have to fly to toronto, or drive to st.paul, mn. it's frustrating...apparently a child would go through 1 vest every 4 years. but like you said, inquire with the insurance.
 
H

hmw

New member
Before calling insurance yourself, you may want to have your child's cf dr contact insurance; someone at his center may be able to submit a letter detailing why it would be in his best interests to cover one. You may have better luck getting one approved that way.
 
H

hmw

New member
Before calling insurance yourself, you may want to have your child's cf dr contact insurance; someone at his center may be able to submit a letter detailing why it would be in his best interests to cover one. You may have better luck getting one approved that way.
 
H

hmw

New member
Before calling insurance yourself, you may want to have your child's cf dr contact insurance; someone at his center may be able to submit a letter detailing why it would be in his best interests to cover one. You may have better luck getting one approved that way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top